The NHL’s Winter Classic, previously held in three other American cities, will be played in Pittsburgh on Saturday and the annual New Year’s Day outdoor game could be headed to Minnesota in 2012.
“We’ve let the NHL know that this would be the ideal host area,” said Minnesota Wild executive Bill Robertson. “We would like to host as soon as possible.”
The Wild have pitched the NHL on hosting the classic in past years and it seems likely this hockey-crazed state will one day win approval and perhaps soon. Buffalo, Chicago and Boston are American cities who have already hosted games in outdoor stadiums while large TV audiences watched the telecasts.
The NHL office is responsible for not only deciding the host city for the game, but also covers expenses and retains profits. Robertson said the Wild are ready to host in “2012, 2013 or beyond.”
He wouldn’t disclose a preferred game site but acknowledged Wild officials have talked with decision makers at TCF Bank Stadium and Target Field. As the host area, he said the Wild would expand activities beyond what other American NHL cities have done.
The Wild’s vision is to include games involving boys and girls teams and college teams during the days leading up to the Winter Classic. “This would be a great way to showcase all the history and programs, a celebration of the sport,” Robertson said.
Robertson said the public is welcome to contact the NHL office to show support for bringing the Winter Classic to Minnesota. League officials are expected to announce the January 1, 2012 city this spring.